Today in History:

453 Series I Volume XVI-I Serial 22 - Morgan's First Kentucky Raid, Perryville Campaign Part I

Page 453 Chapter XXVIII. GENERAL REPORTS.

Question. If Bragg had occupied Louisville would he not have destroyed the canal at that point; and, if so, what would have been the effect upon the transportation above the Falls and on the military operations then and since in progress?

I presume he would have destroyed the canal. I do not know enough about the nature of the Falls and the canal there to give an intelligent opinion. I only saw it once in passing through it; but I know nothing about the depth of water at low or high water. I know Beauregard recommended it to be destroyed as a compensation for the sinking of stone ships in Charleston Harbor.

Question. Would not the destruction of that canal cause the entire cessation of all transportation except at high water?

From the fact that there is a canal there I presume it would.

Question. Were you stationed at Louisville any length of time:

About two weeks, I think.

Question. At what time?

i think from about the 16th or 17th of September till the 1st or 3rd of October.

Question. You never considered the value of that canal in reference to the military operations of the country or the defense of Louisville?

I did not consider it in reference to the defense of Louisville nor as to the effect it would have upon military operations. We had more than we could do to organize our and get our intrenchments in order.

Question. Between the 16th or 17th of September and the 1st to the 3rd of October did you receive or see any dispatches from General Buell proposing or asking any co-operation on the part of the forces in and about Louisville with his military operations then in progress?

No, sir; except the paper marked A, presented to me this morning, respecting the sending of rations as far as Brandenburg.

Question. General, do you know of your own knowledge that Kirby Smith's army ever passed through Harrodsburg?

No, sir.

Question. You state in your testimony that they did pass through. Please give the sources of your information.

I obtained it from spies, residents of the country, prisoners, and sick left behind.

Question. You stated in your examination this morning that Kirby Smith's army you understood formed the rear of Bragg's as it retreated from Camp Dick Robinson, although you did not know that it made a junction. What inducement would they have had to pass through Harrodsburg?

Because the direct and best pike leads through Harrodsburg. I call to mind, how ever, that a small portion of it for some reason did pass down on the north side of Kentucky, but it is a roundabout road, and came into Camp Dick Robinson; but the great mass of it moved as I have described.

Question. Do I understand you to say that the direct road from Camp Dick Robinson is you by Harrodsburg?

Yes, sir; the best route. The pike goes down by Lawrenceburg; thence to Harrodsburg; thence to Dicksville; thence to Bryantsville. It is the great traveled road and the only one suitable for the army.

Question. Is not the point Salvisa, on the Harrodsburg road, the point where they would naturally attempt to reach Camp Dick Robin


Page 453 Chapter XXVIII. GENERAL REPORTS.